Practical Tip #21 Immunizations

If there were one area of parenting I could skip, it would be immunizations. Just the thought of Tristan getting shots causes me great anxiety.  One reason being is I do not do well with needles.  Another reason is that there is no way to explain to Tristan what is going to happen to him.  He will understand to a degree but then will freak out. Tristan is developmentally around a 2 to 4 year old in a twelve year old body. Here is what we have learned along the way.

1.  Bring an extra adult with. Brian and I both went and brought a friend,

2. Go to the health department- or another place other than your doctor office.

3  Alert receptionist/ staff to not say key words:  nurse, doctor, shot

These could trigger the child’s anxiety.  It has taken us a long time to figure this out.

4.  Ask the nurse to get shots ready and do not prep in front of child.  Explain to the nurse your child has anxiety so do              everything FAST.  Explain to the nurse you have enough adults to assist.  We explained his special needs and took a few minutes to talk to our nurse.  Tristan did not go back until everything was ready.

5. We had Tristan sit on Brian’s lap in a chair.  The extra adult and I were ready to hold down Tristan if needed    .

Tristan’s two shots were given so fast that he didn’t really have time to re-act.

Let me just say that I sweated over this for a very long time.  I can not believe how smooth the process went.  I kept waiting for Tristan to really get mad.  He did not.   We did take him out to eat at his favorite fast food restaurant.

Do you have any tips to share on this topic?

Hope this encourages you as you prepare for the next school year!

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You Need Margins In Your Life!

 

Let us look at this word.  I am fascinated by this word and how it relates to special need families.

mar·gin

(mär′jĭn)

n.

1. An edge and the area immediately adjacent to it; a border.

2. The blank space bordering the written or printed area on a page.

3. A limit in a condition or process, beyond or below which something is no longer possible or acceptable: the margin of reality; has crossed the margin of civilized behavior.

4. An amount allowed beyond what is needed: a small margin of safety.

(thefreedictionary.com)

Not Feeling Accomplished? Try This!

I like to get a lot accomplished each day.  At times, I do not feel like I accomplish very much.  Sometimes a to do lists can feel overwhelming.  This simple trick solves both challenges.  I decided to make a list of all the things I did get done.  A to done list.

If you are going to make a “To Do List” then make sure you also make a “TO DONE LIST.”  You will be surprised at how much you really do accomplish!

Bed Wetting Issues?–DIY Mattress Cover

Bed wetting can be a challenge. Some of our children will simply not outgrow this.   We have tried many things to keep  the mattress dry throughout the night.  I bought several different diapers and they all leak to some degree. I have also tried many different mattress covers, all of which our son has ripped apart.

Last year, we bought a new mattress.  The plastic covering that came on it was perfect!  Finally, something durable that Tristan was not ripping off.  Unfortunately the plastic cover only lasted so long.  The other day I had an idea.  I purchased a thick shower curtain, draped it over the mattress, and duct taped it on the under side.  Viola!  It has been highly effective.

Do you have products you recommend on this subject?  Do you have any tips to share